Awkward Career Choices

Career choices, usually directed by one's college major, can seem unfulfilling or puzzling after a decade or two. Sometimes in retrospect, the college major one pursued seems now a little awkward. For example, my first major, Youth Ministries, now seems rather impractical for a lady.

Other friends have reached similar conclusions, as the exciting majors they chose didn't turn out to be very practical. Sometimes a new field of study drew interested students in larger numbers than the work force required. Some majors were actually impractical for Christians, unless a unique ministry situation materialized. Sometimes a talent should have been developed on the side, while majoring in something more practical. Some students have steadfastly completed their degrees, knowing even before they graduated that they would never enter that career.

There are many reasons why young people choose majors that they end up doubting or even regretting years down the road; the simplest is that they were young. Youth carries limitations. Some young people, in their limited awareness of possibilities, simply chose a career they knew about. Others were caught up in the excitement or appeal of a particular field. They may have made their choice based on a burden to serve God in a special way, but didn't know the best way to prepare, or perhaps made their focus too narrow. Still others devoted their studies to an area of talent or interest rather than a career.

Certainly, there are young people who chose wrong majors because their hearts were not in tune with God's values and because they were not seeking God's guidance. They may have been motivated by money, popularity, or prestige. But what about those who wanted to follow God's will, who wanted to serve God, and who prayed about their decision? They truly believed they were studying what God wanted them to study. Did they make wrong choices?

I don't believe such situations should be considered mistakes.  If those young people acted in what they believed was sincere obedience, using the maturity they possessed at the time, then they did the right thing. God is sovereign and powerful enough to use that preparation and obedience within His plan. "Awkward" majors often contribute to an area of ministry within the church or as a means of relating to unsaved people. Sometimes they simply develop character and discipline while God builds the person's maturity.

In fact, I believe a significant reason for the choosing of awkward majors is simply that one's devotion to God was still developing. The doubting of twenty years later stems from spiritual growth and increased passion for God over what the person had as a college student. With a heart more closely drawn to God, the person can now more clearly see his gifts and potential avenues for serving God. His interests have changed along with his maturity. He might now long for full-time Christian service, something that his immaturely God-directed heart was not yet ready for.

A decision made with the current level of one's spiritual maturity and based in the sincere belief that one is obeying God's guidance is the right choice. Years down the road, as maturity grows, God can make adjustments. He can bring new opportunities and open new doors as the person continues to make decisions based on sincere belief that he is following God. Just as God has ways of maturing hearts and drawing people closer to Him, He also has ways of providing the opportunities for change of career if that is what He desires.

The Bible is filled with stories of men that God used greatly after He providentially changed their careers.

Noah's original occupation is not known, but God made him a shipwright, zookeeper, and preacher of righteousness.

Abraham started as a wealthy rancher, but his service to God was as a wanderer.

Joseph was a household servant and a prison supervisor before he became a government official.

Moses was a prince, then a shepherd, before he finally became a leader of men.

Gideon was a subsistence farmer who became a military leader.

David was a shepherd, a harpist, an armor bearer, a soldier, and an exile before God finally made him king.

Isaiah was a noble, Jeremiah was in a priestly family, Amos was a shepherd, and God converted them all into prophets.

Daniel was trained against his wishes for a job he would not have chosen, but God gave great opportunities to serve Him in his career as advisor to foreign kings.

Peter, James, and John were fishermen. Levi was a tax collector. God changed them into apostles.

Paul was an esteemed religious leader who God ordained as a traveling missionary.

Clearly, God does not have a strict formula that He follows arbitrarily with everyone. Practically every situation imaginable is included in the above examples. Many had secular jobs before going into full-time service, sometimes for many years (Moses). Others changed from one ministry to another (Jeremiah). Some remained in secular work (Joseph, Daniel). Abraham's position actually became less ideal. Noah transitioned into a combination ministry, which included completely new areas of secular work. Some went from one job to another for many years before finally landing in their greatest position (Joseph, David).

Young people, pray and seek God. Before making choices or changes, get counsel from your pastor and your parents. Listen to their cautions and concerns. Then don't fret about whether you made the right choice. God is most interested in your heart. He will use you if you are yielded to Him, and He will make adjustments as needed.

For those who are older, keep seeking and following God. If He wants to make a change, He will show you. If He wants you to continue where you are, whether it is what you prefer or not, He will give you the necessary grace and will use you there. Be sensitive to humbly follow God's leading, whether that means monotony, discomfort, adventure, or personal satisfaction.